Highlights

Rene Hell“E.S. des Grauens in Fifths”

This bit is interesting from the press blurb for Rene Hell’s upcoming Terminal Symphony:

‘The Terminal Symphony’ is Jeff’s attempt to write tighter, more composed pieces of music – something of a reaction against the glut of long, often-flabby drone compositions that have become a mainstay in the scene. The pieces here are short, concise, and packed full of ideas that can take multiple listens to unravel, and the album, as a whole is almost obsessively structured and complex.

Listening to the record is like hearing Emerald’s Does It Look Like I’m Hear? – composition techniques are definitely emerging in a style that has been typified by long, improvised instrument/gear explorations. You can stream Terminal Symphony at Type records or below.

“E.S. des Grauens in Fifths”

This bit is interesting from the press blurb for Rene Hell’s upcoming Terminal Symphony:

‘The Terminal Symphony’ is Jeff’s attempt to write tighter, more composed pieces of music – something of a reaction against the glut of long, often-flabby drone compositions that have become a mainstay in the scene. The pieces here are short, concise, and packed full of ideas that can take multiple listens to unravel, and the album, as a whole is almost obsessively structured and complex.

Listening to the record is like hearing Emerald’s Does It Look Like I’m Hear? – composition techniques are definitely emerging in a style that has been typified by long, improvised instrument/gear explorations. You can stream Terminal Symphony at Type records or below.

“Let Me Know (Aphrodite Jungle Edit)”

Notice this isn’t billed as a remix, but rather an edit of a remix. Care to trace the song’s evolution and see why it matters?

First is the basis, Aaliyah’s fairly standard mid-90s slow jam “At Your Best.” As you can see, it begins with a few breathy a capella lines dying to be sampled by a suave future generation.

Then along comes the “Godfather of Jungle,” Aphrodite, with a remix that takes the first line from Aaliyah’s original and meditates on it relentlessly via a compressed jungle/drum and bass beat. That shit sounds pretty mid-90s as well.

Now Laurel Halo gets the hint and “edits” Aphrodites remix, adding some extra cosmic synth pads and a much beefier drum stomp. Listen back and forth between the two – it’s kind of astonishing how two entirely different vibes (or rather, times and places) emanate from each mix. I guess it doesn’t take much to sound like 2011. Or maybe I should say “never underestimate the power of a good mix.”

I should also suggest that Aphrodite re-edit Laurel’s next album, maybe take some of the low end out, give it that 90s papery quality (sorry if that makes no sense). Call it “Godfathering” or “Jungling.” More importantly, doesn’t anyone care what Aaliyah has to say about her work exchanging between so many hands? I tried contacting her people for comment, but it turns out she’s dead!

“Star Drone”

Zurich’s Disco Doom is set to release their new album, Trux Reverb, on The Static Cult. The group, which features Gabriele De Mario (guitar, vocals) and Anita Rufer (guitar, bass), is currently on a tour that includes several performances at this stupid festival called SXSW. Check out the dates at the band’s website.